Take a historical journey to the Village Museum of Óbidos and Mafra from Lisbon. Wander around a fortified city with roots dating back to the 4th century and Europe’s largest 18th-century baroque palace, the Palácio Nacional de Mafra. As this is a private tour, the group will consist of only you (your party) and your guide.
- Estatua do Marques de Pombal - Your exclusive tour begins with a personal pick-up from your Lisbon hotel or cruise port. We’ll then journey northward to the historic towns of ‘d3bidos and Mafra.
- Obidos Village - Delve into the storied past of ‘d3bidos, a village seized by Portugal’s inaugural monarch, King D. Afonso Henriques, on the 11th of January, 1148. Ever since, it has remained an integral part of the nation’s rich history. During your visit, you’ll experience the notable features of this fortified hamlet, including its walls and ramparts. As you meander through the village, you’ll have the opportunity to sample the local cherry liqueur, Ginjinha, along with other regional specialties and handicrafts.
Note:
In July, for an additional fee, the ‘d3bidos castle becomes the backdrop for an authentic ‘Medieval Market’ that lasts a fortnight. The castle and its environs are transformed to evoke the ambiance of medieval Europe, complete with colorful banners and coats of arms. The event is brought to life by a host of performers garbed as traders, jesters, minstrels, and warriors, among others.
Patrons can peruse a market of traditional crafts, or be spectators to medieval-themed spectacles, equestrian demonstrations, and a procession in period attire that traverses the village. The festival also features tournaments of jousting knights and martial displays.
- Palacio Nacional de Mafra - Explore the grandeur of Mafra Palace, an edifice whose existence was made feasible by the influx of gold from Brazil, enabling King João V to erect one of the grandest baroque palaces of the 18th century. Initiated on the 17th of November, 1717, the palace complex amalgamates four distinct structures: the royal residence, the monastery, the basilica, and the library.
You’ll traverse the palace’s most extensive corridor, spanning 232 meters, constructed from regional limestone and marble (sourced from Pêro Pinheiro and Sintra). The palace sprawls over nearly four hectares (37,790 square meters), housing 1,200 chambers, and over 4,700 doors and windows.
The library stands as one of Europe’s most significant, with a vast collection of tomes (exceeding 30,000 volumes) dating from the 15th to the 18th centuries. The basilica, adorned with two towers, is the architectural focal point of the facade, conceived by German architect Johann Friedrich Ludwig under the patronage of King D. João V.
- Comfortable private transportation by air-conditioned car/van.
- Exclusive private tour with a professional guide.
- Skip-the-line access to attractions.
- Convenient pick-up and drop-off at Lisbon hotels/Airbnbs or cruise ports.
- Included entrance tickets to the National Palace of Mafra and its library.
- Admission to Óbidos Historic Village.
- Lunch and any other items not mentioned in the description;
- During summer, entrance tickets to the “Medieval Market” in Óbidos;
- During winter, entrance tickets to the “Chocolate” or the “Christmas” Markets in Óbidos.
- At time of booking, hotel clients must provide the following information at time of booking: hotel name and address
- At time of booking, cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
